Healthcare Access

The ACLU of Washington believes that everyone should have access to lawful best care medical treatment. Yet in Washington state religious health systems, and even public hospital districts, are denying Washington residents access to important health care services. The ACLU of Washington is enforcing our state laws and fighting back against the use of religion to discriminate in order to ensure Washington residents have access to reproductive, end-of-life and LGBT related health care services, referrals and information.

Though Washington state has required hospitals to post on their websites the services they offer, many have failed to provide clear information. So, the ACLU-WA and allies have launched the ClearHealth Washington site to fill the information gap.

This brochure is designed to help transgender persons understand their legal rights in Washington State. It answers many common questions about practical legal issues encountered by transgender individuals.

Heavy-handed law enforcement is one of the primary ways society has attempted to deal with the complicated issue of drug abuse. Responding to problematic drug use from a public health perspective is a far better approach.

On December 14, the ACLU of Washington along with 18 other public interest organizations that advocate for patients’ rights and comprehensive health care access sent a letter to Walgreens requesting information about its strategic collaboration for the opening of up to 25 clinics in Washington and Oregon with Providence Health & Services, a Catholic health care provider.